Government Shutdown Averted as Trump Signs Funding Bill
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed into law legislation funding the government through the end of September, ending the threat of a partial government shutdown and capping off a struggle in Congress that deeply divided Democrats.
Harrison Fields, White House principal deputy press secretary, said in a post on X that Trump signed the continuing resolution Saturday.
Bill Details
The bill largely keeps government funding at levels set during Joe Biden’s presidency, though with changes. It trims nondefense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increases defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a top-line spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.
The Senate cleared the legislation on Friday in a 54-46 party line vote, with 10 members of the Senate Democratic caucus helping the bill advance to passage despite opposition from within their party — most vocally from colleagues in the House, who exhorted them to reject the bill out of hand.
Democrats’ Concerns
Senate Democrats argued for days over whether to force a shutdown after Republicans in the House drafted and passed the spending measure without any Democratic input.
Democrats said the legislation shortchanges health care, housing and other priorities and gives Trump wide leeway to redirect federal spending as his administration and his entity the Department of Government Efficiency rapidly dismantle congressionally approved agencies and programs.
Shutdown Fears
In the end, enough of the Democratic senators decided a government shutdown would be worse than letting the funding bill pass.
Breaking News
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks with reporters about the interim spending bill that would avoid a partial government shutdown and keep federal agencies funded through September, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP)
Senator Schumer’s Statements
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said a shutdown would have given the Trump administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel nonessential, furloughing staff with no promise they would ever be rehired.
“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer said. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”
Conclusion
The signing of the funding bill brings an end to the threat of a partial government shutdown, but the struggle in Congress has left many Democrats divided. The bill’s passage has also raised concerns about the impact on health care, housing, and other priorities, as well as the potential for the Trump administration to redirect federal spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a government shutdown?
A: A government shutdown occurs when the federal government stops providing non-essential services due to a lack of funding.
Q: Why did the Democrats oppose the funding bill?
A: The Democrats opposed the funding bill because it shortchanges health care, housing, and other priorities, and gives the Trump administration wide leeway to redirect federal spending.
Q: What is the Department of Government Efficiency?
A: The Department of Government Efficiency is an entity established by the Trump administration to streamline government services and reduce waste.
Q: How long will the funding bill keep the government open?
A: The funding bill will keep the government open through the end of September.
